Niël Terblanché
The 7th International Loving Peace Art competition took place at the Moses Van Der Byl School in Windhoek on Friday.
The event drew 38 young participants who conveyed their visions of peace through original artworks.
Organised by the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), the contest aimed to nurture an understanding of peace by allowing children to express their understanding of the concept creatively.
A panel of judges evaluated the artworks and selected outstanding pieces.
The winning entry was commended for depicting unity and harmony across racial and national lines.
“It was empowering to see young minds express unique ideas of peace through such creative drawings. They drew from the heart, and that’s what truly matters,” said one participant.
The event included a surprise performance by singer Lize Ehlers, who delivered a message of compassion and unity through music.
“Peace to me means truly looking for and putting out a vibration of kindness, tolerance and compassion. Because the world needs that kind of people,” she said.
Alongside the competition, the IWPG introduced its membership and Women’s Peace Education to female teachers and staff at the school.
This initiative forms part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation with the ministry of gender equality and expand peace education in schools.
An IWPG representative confirmed that the group intends to continue supporting children in expressing messages of peace through art.
“Our goal is to ensure that more schools hold peace drawing contests in the future,” the official said.
The event served as a preliminary round for the upcoming Peace Drawing Contest Awards ceremony in July, where government officials are expected to participate.
Organisers believe it will serve as a catalyst for broadening the peace movement throughout Namibia and beyond.
